With both teams now two wins outside the top eight, this match is crucial if either harbours plans of seeing action in September. The teams were worlds apart in their two contests last season, but have endured contrasting campaigns so far in 2013. The Crows are now without big forwards Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker and have struggled for consistency, while the upstart Suns have made everyone sit up and take notice with an exciting brand of footy that has pushed some of the competition heavyweights. They have proved difficult to beat at Metricon Stadium, and would fancy their chances of a first win over the Crows. But Brenton Sanderson's men know the urgency of the situation. It all adds up to a ripping contest on Saturday afternoon.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday June 29, 1.45pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FOUR TIMES
R23, 2012: Adelaide 22.21 (153) d Gold Coast 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
R1, 2012: Adelaide 19.23 (137) d Gold Coast 10.8 (68) at Metricon Stadium
R22, 2011: Adelaide 18.17 (125) d Gold Coast 9.10 (64) at Metricon Stadium
R8, 2011: Adelaide 20.10 (130) d Gold Coast 9.19 (73) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast and Adelaide played twice in 2012, with the Crows easy winners both times. They won by 69 points in round one, and finished the regular season with a 91-point triumph in round 23.
2. The Crows are undefeated in four contests against the Suns, winning by an average margin of 70 points.
3. Since first defeating the Brisbane Bears in 1992, Adelaide have enjoyed a perfect six-from-six record at Metricon Stadium (formerly Carrara).
4. The top two players in the game will go head-to-head on Saturday. Gary Ablett (761 points) is still clearly the number one in the Official AFL Player Ratings, while Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield (632 points) has vaulted Joel Selwood, Josh Kennedy and Jobe Watson into number two.
5. Former Crows forward Kurt Tippett has kicked the most goals in Adelaide history at Metricon Stadium, with 13 in three games. Tippett was raised on the Gold Coast and is now a Sydney Swan.
6. The Suns have been strong in contested possession during 2013, ranked third in the competition, compared to Adelaide who are ranked seventh.
